Sweden’s Liberal party leader Johan Pehrson to step down

Sweden’s Liberal Party leader Johan Pehrson will resign amid falling poll numbers, 2 years away from elections.

Sweden's Liberal Party leader Johan Pehrson will resign from his post, a party spokesperson confirmed on Monday.

Pehrson assumed the party leadership in April 2022 following Nyamko Sabuni's resignation and was confirmed as leader later that year.

Under his guidance, the Liberals joined a centre-right coalition government led by the Moderate Party, supported by the Sweden Democrats—a partnership that sparked internal party tensions and led to high-profile resignations.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Pehrson expressed pride in revitalising the Liberals' relevance within Swedish politics and contributing to reforms aimed at enhancing education, security, and climate policy.

Tack för alla glada tillrop - och även motsatsen genom åren. Efter i stort sett trettio år av demokratisk värnplikt är det dags för något annat. Heja Sverige. Rösta på Liberalerna.

— Johan Pehrson (@JohanPehrson) April 28, 2025

It remains unclear whether Pehrson will continue to serve as Sweden’s Minister of Education in the minority coalition government, which is led by the Moderate Party and supported by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats.

Pehrson's tenure as Minister for Education, commencing in September 2024, followed his role as Minister for Employment and Integration.

His leadership has been marked by efforts to reform Sweden's free school system and initiatives to safeguard academic freedom.​

The announcement comes as the Liberal Party faces declining public support. A recent opinion poll conducted by public broadcaster SVT earlier this month showed the party polling at just 2.8%.

This marks a significant fall from the 4.6% share it secured during the 2022 general election.

Sweden is scheduled to hold its next general election in September 2026, with the opposition Social Democrats currently leading in public support.

Further details regarding Pehrson’s future within the government are expected in the coming days.